Considered an irreversible trend on a global scale, decarbonization is already a reality adopted by different sectors, including the companies that operate in foreign trade. Vital to reduce the impacts of global warming and the consequent climate changes, the reduction and compensation of the carbon footprint brings benefits to companies and society as a whole, as explained by Alexandre Pimenta, CEO of Asia Shipping, largest logistics integrator in Latin America
Decarbonization is a growing demand in the foreign trade market in response to environmental requirements from governments, global businesses and institutions, affirms the executive. To get an idea, the International Maritime Organization, that had already established percentages for reducing greenhouse gases, recently set a goal to achieve net zero emissions by around 2050
For that, a first step, important to every business, is to measure all emissions inherent to your activities and seek alternatives for reducing and neutralizing these pollutants. "From the adoption of strategies, it is possible to add more sustainability to the different stages of comex operations", highlights Pimenta
1 – Measurement of carbon emissions
Considered the initial strategy for companies operating in foreign trade, measuring emissions may seem like a challenge, but according to the CEO of Asia Shipping, there are already technologies capable of effectively meeting this demand
"Some time ago", following our ESG practices, we updated one of our platforms to facilitate this measurement in our clients' operations. A AS Tracking 2.0, for example, in addition to offering different operational functionalities such as the issuance of invoices, tickets and value inquiry, automatically calculates the carbon emissions from movements, both for the process and those related to a specific destination and origin. This allows companies to make the best decisions
for the compensation of its impacts and consumption of natural resources, points to the executive
2 – Use of fuels from renewable sources
Another important point in the race for the decarbonization of foreign trade is the use of fuels from renewable sources. In this sense, replace fossil solutions with clean alternatives, like biofuels, green hydrogen, solar and wind energy can help significantly reduce the carbon footprint in the sector. The transition involves both transport modes, as logistics and storage structures, complement Alexandre
3 – Logistics optimization and choice of sustainable modes
Just like the energy transition, logistics optimization and the choice of more sustainable modes also have impacts on businesses aiming to reduce their emissions. The maritime modal, that releases fewer emissions when compared to air transport, it can be a choice in that sense. But the movements can also be optimized through the use of innovative technologies, how real-time cargo tracking systems, that help to increase operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption
4 – Supplier selection
With the aim of promoting decarbonization not only regarding the activities of the business itself, many companies are showing concern about expanding sustainable practices throughout their entire operational chain. For that, the selection of suppliers that demonstrate the same concerns and commitment to this cause, became a common strategy, widely adopted by companies that follow international sustainability standards and certifications
5 – Carbon neutralization initiatives
After measuring and adopting a series of initiatives to help mitigate its carbon emissions, adhere to programs that allow neutralizing the emitted residual, it can also be part of the net zero journey of companies operating in foreign trade
This can be done in several ways, whether through reforestation projects or the purchase of carbon credits. There are also businesses that invest in renewable energy generation initiatives and projects
"The most important", перш за все, it is to ensure the sustainability of operations, balancing the inevitable emissions and leading the legacy of a cleaner future for the next generations, concludes the CEO of Asia Shipping
